Wings and Wheels event set for June 8

Wednesday

May 29, 2013 at 3:15 AM

By Liz Markhlevskayalmark@fosters.com

ROCHESTER — Airplane rides, car shows, and a hot-wing eating contest are just a few activities to be offered at this year’s Wings and Wheels event on June 8.The second annual event, hosted by the Police Department, is a fundraiser for Gerry’s Food Pantry. Donations, either cash or grocery store gift cards, will be collected in lieu of entrance fees, and all the proceeds will go toward food assistance for local residents in need.The Wings and Wheels event is taking place at Skyhaven Airport, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 8.

Last year, despite a visit by President Barack Obama on the same day, the inaugural Wings and Wheels event attracted about 1,000 visitors to Skyhaven Airport. This year attendance is expected to double.

“I hope we get an even bigger turnout this year, because everything goes to a great cause,” said Police Officer Tracy Hayes, who played a key role in organizing the event.

“This is a true community event and what is really great is that not a penny of public money goes to putting it together,” said Hayes. “One hundred percent comes from Rochester citizens and businesses coming together to support families in need.”

This year’s Wings and Wheels event will feature car, motorcycle, and airplane shows, with prizes given to the best-in-show car, motorcycle, and plane. Helicopter and plane rides will also be part of the event, as well as driving and motorcycle simulators, the Rollover Convincer, and a hot-wing eating contest.

Mayor T.J. Jean has volunteered to take part in the dunk tank, and children will be able to enjoy a bounce house slide. More than 40 vendors will participate in the event.Wings and Wheels is being hosted by the Rochester Police Department, and is sponsored by Z107, Universal Technical Institute, The Coast, and numerous other sponsors.Fore more information, visit the event Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/wings.Rochester, or the city’s website at www.rochesternh.net.